Another layover in London: Sep/Oct 2025

Premier Inn: I had heard of PIs on this forum, but this is the first time I stayed at one. I was alerted to a fare sale on this forum and this seemed like a good opportunity to try it out. For the 4-night layover, I stayed at the PI in Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith (GBP 75/night, non-refundable). The location was really convenient, with access to both tube (Hammersmith, Piccadlly, Circle and District lines) and bus within a few yards from the hotel door. This pretty much got me into anywhere in Zone-1 I wanted to be (Victoria, Kensington, Kings Cross, Covent Garden/Leicester Sq, Waterloo, Piccadilly) within about 30 minutes – mostly direct (as I recollect, Waterloo station was the only destination I had to change for). LHR 35 minutes direct on the Piccadilly Line. A Tesco superstore within 10 minutes walk. Lots of places to eat, including a Nandos and Wagamama right across the street. The staff were very friendly, the room was on the smaller side but clean and quiet. There was a small window looking over rooftops (I was on the 5th floor). I spent very little non-sleeping hours in my room, but I would definitely stay here again.

On the way back from India, I stayed at the PI @T4, LHR (GBP 79/night, full flex), even though I was flying in and out of T3. This was mainly price-driven, and it took 15-30 minutes to get to/from the hotel to the central bus station (CBS). I took the Elizabeth Line from CBS to T4 which took the longest as the train frequency is about 10-12 minutes, but I did not have to change as I would have if using the tube. T4 to CBS I took the tube, which is every 3-5 minutes. The “tunnel” from T4 to the PI is very well sign-posted, and felt safe, even around 10pm. This PI also had a quiet room with a window overlooking the airport, and the room was big. Once again I was hardly there for any non-sleeping hours but I would definitely stay here again if I do not have an early flight out of T2/T3 or T5.

The only bad thing I have to say about PI is the wifi. Just adequate for messages/emails. No photo attachments and definitely no streaming. I could have paid for a better connection (which comes free with a premier room), but as I was hardly there, I did not bother. A PI may also not be a good fit if you are looking for "luxury". It is clean and comfortable, but not luxurious.

Hammersmith: I loved Hammersmith! It is a great mix of convenience and loveliness. I had one sunny afternoon to explore the area. The vicinity of the PI was busy, but even a couple of blocks away were pretty, quiet residential streets. My personal favorites were Ravenscourt park (with the Paddenswick tea garden), the William Morris Society museum, and the Thames path. I walked across the Hammersmith bridge and would have liked to explore the area (Barnes?) which also looked interesting, but I ran out of time.

Jetlag: This was one of my most successful trips with respect to jetlag. Being outdoors in the sunshine the first day always helps. I also tried to stick to regular mealtimes, even if I didn’t feel hungry. I was very concerned about scheduling a show on the first night I was in London, but I think it really worked in my favor. I enjoyed and was energized by the performance so much, I could have gone dancing all night afterwards! However, I came home and went to bed at a reasonable hour (11pm) and was exhausted enough to sleep all through the night. I think this really set the pattern for the rest of the trip. Even better, I didn’t even get jetlagged in India – usually it is terrible for almost a week.

Thoughts on pace/style of travel: This was the first time I was out at night by myself in London, and safety was a complete non-issue on the tube and on the streets. I really felt very comfortable, although general safety rules always apply.

I love the UK and London. Every single time I am in the country, I feel like a child let loose in a candy shop – I want to do EVERYTHING!! NOW!! No amount of time seems enough to do/see all that I want! Because of this, I spend many, many hours winnowing down my desires to a reasonable itinerary. I used to think I am a “slow traveler”, but I think that is a myth….I really enjoyed the pace I set myself this time, though I am pretty sure I could not have kept it up for more than 5-6 days at most. Even though my schedule was packed, I did have time to wander around, chat with people, sit and drink in the beauty of what I was experiencing. The time and effort I spent on devising an itinerary really paid off because I cannot think of a single thing that I did not enjoy. However, if I had to choose, I would say that the LSO performance and the Cartier exhibition were my favorites, very closely followed by Jane Austen’s house (there were some amazing paper costumes in addition to everything else) and Totoro.

Everyone asks me if I am ‘done with’ the UK yet...I tell them this is just the beginning. Next is a trip to Glasgow, accompanying my husband to a conference in February. After that….there are so many places I want to be, I don’t know yet what will win out for the next trip.

A huge thank you to all the forum members who contribute so generously to this forum!!

Thank you for this great TR. I really loved reading through it. I appreciate hearing about the shorter excursions from forum members as they align with the time frame we are using right now. You did manage to do so much, but kept it from being a pace that overtired you. Kudos for your plans!

I think when we go back we are going to stay outside of central London. I actually had a Holiday Inn Express Hammersmith booked last October before changing our minds to get closer in. We’ve been there enough now that I think the PI or HIExpress there would do nicely. So much more affordable, too!

I also was so happy to hear about your being on your own at night and feeling secure. That is such a gift to be able to feel that way.

Again, thank for taking the time to share your experiences! The UK never disappoints!

OP thank you for your report.

London remains my favorite city on the planet. Been visiting for decades. Wholeheartedly rejoice in how it has evolved as a food mecca. Still love pub grub but so great to be able to enjoy Ethiopian, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, and countless other cuisines.

Need to return.

Mustlovedogs - what a lovely reply to my trip report! You touched on all the points I wanted to highlight:
1. London is a wonderful city and as long as you follow basic safety rules, there is no need to worry about safety.
2. Planning is key to a successful trip, and especially if it is a short trip.
3. Hammersmith is a good option for return visits to London.

I know you are planning a trip there yourself - wish you a lovely trip!

Claudia - you are my inspiration! I have learned so much from your reports of your trips to London. I hope you can make it back there again soon.

Thank you for your report and the information about the PI in Hammersmith. London is amazing, and I’m glad you planned and had such a good time.

MapLady & Claudia: We, too, cannot get enough of the UK! We are often asked why we keep going back. My husband asks, "Why do you keep going to Hawaii?" or Disneyland? or Arizona? as it may apply. And Yes! Claudia is such an inspiration...what is it---London, always changing, always the same?